Clinical correlates of low serum carnitine levels in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Objective: We sought to evaluate clinical correlates of low serum carnitine levels in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 40 psychiatric inpatients identified to have low serum carnitine levels.

Results: Cognitive impairment was present in 38 (95%) cases, frequently accompanied by imbalance, agitation and extrapyramidal symptoms.